28-Year-Old Nigerian Army Officer Laid to Rest After Being Killed During Oyo Schoolchildren Rescue Operation

A 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, has been laid to rest after losing his life during the military operation that led to the rescue of kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

Lt. Isaac was killed on July 10, 2026, during the operation to secure the release of dozens of victims who had been abducted by terrorists.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, after armed bandits invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School, where the attackers whisked away pupils and teachers into the forest.

Following the rescue mission, different reports emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding Lt. Isaac’s death. While some reports claimed that his convoy was struck by explosives planted by terrorists inside the Old Oyo National Park, others stated that he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by members of the Ansaru terrorist group, which was linked to the abduction.

Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.

Paying tribute to the fallen officer and other personnel involved in the mission, the Nigerian Army acknowledged that there were casualties among security forces during the carefully coordinated rescue operation.

In a statement, the military said:

“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”

The rescue operation successfully secured the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers after weeks of coordinated efforts involving multiple security agencies.